Classic Tomato and Basil Crostini

Ingredients

• 1 baguette, sliced into 1/2-inch thick slices 1 baguette, sliced into 1/2-inch thick slices
• 4 ripe tomatoes, diced 4 ripe tomatoes, diced
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup (60ml) extra virgin olive oil 1/4 cup (60ml) extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 cup (10g) fresh basil leaves, torn 1/4 cup (10g) fresh basil leaves, torn

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 150 kcal / 628 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 7g, 1g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 19g, 2g
• Protein: 3g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 0.4g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. 2.
   Place the baguette slices on a baking sheet and brush them lightly with olive oil.
3. 3.
   Toast the bread slices in the preheated oven for about 8-10 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and crispy.
4. 4.
   In a bowl, combine the diced tomatoes, minced garlic, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to ensure the tomatoes are coated in the marinade.
5. 5.
   Allow the tomato mixture to marinate for at least 15 minutes to let the flavors meld together.
6. 6.
   Once the bread slices have cooled slightly, spoon the marinated tomato mixture onto each slice.
7. 7.
   Garnish with torn fresh basil leaves.
8. 8.
   Serve immediately and enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Baguette — Choose a crusty baguette with a firm texture to ensure the crostini holds up well when topped with the tomato mixture.
• Tomatoes — Opt for ripe and juicy tomatoes for the best flavor. If they are not in season, you can use cherry tomatoes or canned diced tomatoes as a substitute.
• Basil — Tear the basil leaves just before serving to preserve their freshness and vibrant green color.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra kick of flavor, you can add a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on top of the tomato mixture.
• Experiment with different types of bread, such as sourdough or ciabatta, to add variety to your crostini.
• If you prefer a milder garlic flavor, you can roast the minced garlic in a little olive oil before adding it to the tomato mixture.
• To make the crostini ahead of time, you can prepare the toasted bread slices and the marinated tomato mixture separately. Assemble them just before serving to maintain the crunchiness of the bread.

Serving advice

Serve these Tomato and Basil Crostini as an appetizer at your next gathering or as a light snack. They pair perfectly with a glass of chilled white wine or a refreshing spritzer.

Presentation advice

Arrange the crostini on a platter, garnishing them with additional torn basil leaves for an elegant touch. The vibrant colors of the tomatoes and basil will make the dish visually appealing.